01/14/2026
Feeding the Senior Horse in Winter.
: A simple Guide to Cold-Weather Senior Equine Nutrition.
As horses age, their nutritional needs change, and winter can add extra challenges. Senior horses need a bit more attention in the colder months to stay healthy, maintain weight, and remain comfortable. This guide covers the best practices for feeding senior horses during winter, focusing on key nutrients, digestive health, body condition monitoring, and a few extra tips.
: Key Nutrients for Senior Horses in Winter.
In winter, senior horses may need more calories to stay warm. Good protein and calorie sources include alfalfa, soy (commonly found in many feeds), and beet pulp, which, while valued mostly for fiber, still offers some protein. If you prefer to avoid alfalfa or soy, you can also consider Timothy pellets, orchard grass pellets, or other forage-based pellet mixtures to provide the fiber and nutrition your horse needs. Adding fats like rice bran or flaxseed can boost calories, and warm mashes can help with hydration and comfort.
:Forage and Warmth in Winter.
Forage is essential not just for nutrition but also for warmth, as digesting hay generates internal heat. If a senior horse can’t chew hay well, complete feeds or forage-based pellets can provide the same benefit.
:Monitoring Body Condition Under Blankets.
Check your horse’s body condition regularly in winter, as blankets can hide weight loss. This ensures your senior horse stays in good shape.
:A Note on Vitamins, Minerals, Salt, Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics.
If you’re using a complete feed, be mindful of vitamin and mineral levels—especially selenium—to avoid over-supplementation, if you are also giving a ration balancer. Don’t forget to offer plain white salt to encourage drinking and keep your horse hydrated. Another supplement to consider is a digestive enzyme and probiotic for gut health and better utilization of the feed you are feeding. Always check with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist to tailor these details to your horse’s needs.
Visit Us for a Friendly Chat
If you’d like to have a conversation about your senior horse’s feeding program, we’d love to talk. Just drop by The Co-op Gas & Supply and ask for Angela or Hannah—we’re here to help.